Office of Compliance FY2017 Annual Report - 8

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

More than
1,000
employees
trained
in person;
more than
6,000 trained
online
Correcting the Record:
goo.gl/C5R71Z

8

Office of Compliance

EDUCATION
The Board of Directors has
consistently recommended in its
biennial Section 102(b) Reports
that Congress mandate antidiscrimination, anti-harassment,
and anti-retaliation training for
all Members of Congress and
legislative branch employees, and
that employing offices post notices
advising legislative branch employees
of their rights under the CAA. The
Board is greatly encouraged by the
new House and Senate requirements
that all Members, officers, and
employees complete anti-harassment
and anti-discrimination training.
The OOC recommends extending
training requirements to cover the
congressional workforce at large.
The CAA is a unique law tailored
to the legislative branch that gives
the OOC a mandate to develop and
deliver a comprehensive program of
education and training to Members
of Congress and legislative branch
employees. The OOC's in-person
training, informational videos, and
multimedia campaigns examine
roles that employees, managers,
and bystanders have in preventing
offensive conduct and reporting

and correcting behaviors that
could contribute to a hostile work
environment. In addition to covering
legal definitions of workplace
discrimination, harassment, and
retaliation under the CAA, the OOC's
training is designed to help build a
strong culture of collegial respect
and professionalism.
Face-to-face discussions are often
the most effective means to combat
discrimination and harassment. The
OOC's interactive, person-to-person
training sessions are customized to
address issues faced by individual
employing offices. Frank discussions
include relevant examples of
inappropriate conduct and provide
opportunities for trainers and staff
to discuss important workplace
issues on Capitol Hill. How should
staffers respond to an offensive joke
or comment? Why should bystanders
respond if they see a colleague
mistreated? Where can someone
turn if there's a problem? The OOC
also discusses with managers the
importance of being vigilant about
nipping potential problems in the bud
and making sure that office policies and
procedures reflect a true commitment
to eliminating offensive conduct.
http://www.goo.gl/C5R71Z
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Office of Compliance FY2017 Annual Report
